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Spain remains one of Europe’s leading destinations for international students, offering a diverse academic landscape, globally recognised universities, and a strong quality of life. Every year, thousands of non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals choose Spain for undergraduate degrees, postgraduate programmes, language studies, vocational training, and research. To study legally in Spain for more than 90 days, most international students must obtain a Spain Student Visa.
The Spain Student Visa allows eligible students to reside in Spain for the duration of their studies, provided they are enrolled in a recognised educational institution and meet financial, health, and legal requirements. Depending on the programme and duration, the visa may also allow limited work rights, family reunification, and future transitions to other residence permits.
At LawSentis, we assist students and families with the full student visa process, ensuring compliance with consular practices, correct documentation, and smooth post-arrival formalities.
The Spain Student Visa is a long-stay visa combined with a residence authorisation for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who intend to pursue full-time studies in Spain for more than 90 days. It is governed by Spanish immigration regulations and applies to a wide range of academic and professional training activities.
The visa is designed to support educational mobility while ensuring that students can support themselves financially and comply with Spanish legal requirements. Unlike tourist visas, the student visa grants legal residence, access to local administrative services, and, in many cases, the possibility to work part-time alongside studies.
A Spain Student Visa is required for:
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not require a visa but must register locally if staying long term.
The Spain Student Visa applies to a wide range of educational activities, provided they are full-time and officially recognised, including:
The institution must be authorised to offer the programme under Spanish education regulations.
Applicants must present an official acceptance or enrolment letter issued by a recognised Spanish institution. The letter should clearly state:
Both public and private institutions are accepted if properly accredited.
Students must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay. As of 2025, the general requirement is:
While the requirement is calculated monthly, many consulates still request proof covering the full academic year upfront, especially for longer programmes. Applicants should be prepared to show sufficient funds for accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses for the entire study period.
Prepaid accommodation, scholarships, or grants may reduce the required amount, but they do not automatically eliminate the financial requirement. Applicants relying on monthly income should ensure it is clearly documented and stable.
Applicants must hold private health insurance valid in Spain for the full duration of stay. The policy must cover:
Some consulates may also require repatriation coverage, even though it is not explicitly mandatory under national law. To avoid delays or refusals, applicants are strongly advised to choose a policy that includes repatriation benefits.
Public healthcare access is not granted under the student visa unless later authorised under specific conditions.
For stays exceeding six months, applicants must submit a medical certificate confirming that they do not suffer from diseases that could pose a public health risk under Spanish regulations. Many consulates require a specific wording or format, particularly for long-term stays.
Applicants staying in Spain for more than six months must provide a police clearance certificate from:
Their country of nationality, and Any country where they have resided for six months or more during the past five years
Certificates must be legalized or apostilled and officially translated into Spanish.
Applications are generally submitted at the Spanish consulate or embassy in the applicant’s country of legal residence. Many consulates now require online pre-registration or pre-submission before an appointment can be booked.
In limited cases, students may apply from within Spain, but this option is not guaranteed and must be assessed case by case. It is typically only possible if:
The student entered Spain legally, and The course has not yet started or has only just begun
Rules and acceptance vary by province and immigration office, so professional assessment is strongly recommended before relying on this route.
Applicants are usually required to submit:
All foreign documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized or apostilled as required.
Applicants attend a consular appointment, submit documents, pay the visa fee (varies by nationality), and may be interviewed. Processing times typically range from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on consulate workload and the time of year.
Students staying longer than six months must apply for a Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) within 30 days of arrival. This involves:
Delays are common, so early booking is essential. Students should also maintain continuous residence, as long absences from Spain may affect renewals.
Student visas are generally issued for the duration of the course, usually up to one year initially. Extensions are possible if the student continues to meet requirements, including:
Extended absences from Spain can negatively impact renewal decisions.
Spain allows student visa holders to work under specific conditions. Students may:
Following recent reforms, work authorisation is often automatic, provided the legal limits are respected. In some cases, employers may still need to notify or register the employment with authorities. Employment income is considered supplementary and cannot replace the financial means requirement.
Eligible students may apply to bring family members, including:
Additional financial means and suitable accommodation must be demonstrated. Marriage and birth certificates must be apostilled or legalized and translated into Spanish.
Students who spend more than 183 days per year in Spain may be considered tax residents, depending on their circumstances. Students should be aware of:
Tax advice is recommended for long-term students or those working during their studies.
Student visa applications may be refused due to:
After completing studies, students may be eligible to transition to:
Only 50% of time spent on a student visa may count toward long-term residence, and only after switching to a qualifying residence permit.
LawSentis provides comprehensive support for students and families, including:
Our experience ensures students avoid refusals, delays, and administrative issues while focusing on their academic goals in Spain.
Have questions or need more information? Our team is here to help.
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